Loch Lomond.

Just had a mini spill. Still touring with the Extreme Stunt Show in Scotland.  At present we are at Loch Lomond. The suns blazing, the mountains and Lochs are beautiful. And the bosses wife always gets a " how's Jane " ( In joke. Nothing dodgy ).

Just been out finding the most obscure way around the Loch . Up into the forest and picked my way through. Through streams and traversing narrow ledges. Loch Lomond is another hot spot and well known training ground for Africa.  Honest !!!

Finally came to some steps and a tiny gate. Well.....it kind of didn't work out as planned.

After three attempts of trying to get the bike up the steps, the engine bottomed out. On the second step. And despite having the brakes on, the bike and I slowly slid backwards.  "O joy ", I thought.

Very slowly we slid back and into a mosquito ridden bog. Not content with that. My bike went up to its axel in mud and the chain came off.

I was ecstatic. And then bloody Brian called me.!!!! There's me, in two foot deep bog, giving directions to a local cafe !!

Luckily my phone battery went. So was unable to take a picture of my mini spill. Shame.

But here's a few I took on the way round.

Bombing Range

Hi all. We are right in the north of Scotland at the moment.  A Town called Tain. So I have been out on the bike, practicing for Africa. Found miles of beach. Via a pathway and an old pedestrian bridge.

After three miles or so of being on the sand. Two 4x4 s stopped me. Turned out I was on a Royal Airforce bombing range !!!! Oooops. Had to laugh.

To say that the little Van Van is designed to pop to the shops. It's doing really well. Which is handy. :)

All bar the number plate and indicator rattling off. And loosing a bungie.!!

Doing this on my phone.  So all the pics are at the end.

Next blog will hopefully show a new rear rack and home made headlamp grill.

Reviews and update.....

Been a good week.Chipping away at the weekly London to Johannesburg Admin. Doing the blog and seeing some good visiting numbers.From UK to USA. from Japan to Russia. It seems An Idiot Got Bored. The Slow Way Down.......( The Angry Pants are on )...!!! Is picking up steam. If you want to get involved, just e mail me. You never know. I have put my feelers out for some Motor Cross bits I am desperately in need of. Hand Guards, Disk cover and a Scott Oiler are at the top of the list.

So I have been out on the sandy beaches of both Redcar and Robinhood Bay, practicing for Africa.I don't think anyone is going to buy into these sleepy English Sea Side villages are like the Sahara Desert, but what do you do ? Riding in the sand is so different, and has shown me just how vulnerably the little bike is. It has been smoking a little since it's last outing. But has cleared up now.I am doing my best to do something for the Challenge when ever I can.Be it practicing on the bike, trying different pannier positions or maintenance. As soon as I've done the blog, I am off to adjust the chain. As it has stretched a bit. I also am going to take some of the Monster Truck oil out the front forks.As they are now rock hard. Now's the time to get all these things right. But I do feel time is not on my side. And there is so, so much still to do.

On the beach at Robinhoods Bay. England...( twin of the Sahara Desert..)

Now you've seen our miserable beaches, you can see why us Brits are always going on holiday abroad.Miami Beach, it is not !!! You can however, buy an over priced ice cream and get chased by the Police in a 4 x 4. ( It wasn't me ).

On top of Robinhoods Bay.

Whilst it's hard fitting everything around the Extreme Stunt Show. As we are on tour every day now, till 10 th September. I am enjoying, what can only be described as a  " roller coaster " of Planning & Preparation. My budget is so small and tight. That every penny counts. And at this stage, I am still in dire need of a Sat Nav. and Camping kit sponsors. Help !!!!

To follow The Extreme Stunt Show, as we trek across the UK..click the logo.........Scotland in two days. :)



Quick word on the boots I have gone for. They are Lowa Zepher GTX High. Anyone out there in the Forces will know of them. They are simply fantastic. As space and weight are major issues on the little 125. I am taking just one pair of boots. And these are the ones to go for.British Army issue and made in Germany.They are 100 % water proof and breathable.Ideal for Africa. I have no idea what the sole is made of, but they are as light as my trainers, ( sneakers for folks over that side of the pond ).And as comfortable as your favorite chair. ( I love good kit ).

It's Armed Forces day here in the UK. Where we show our support for those that commit the most to our country.And unfortunately get severely injured and maimed in the process.I am trying to help the men and women who loose arms and legs have a " normal " life again.I am dedicating 15 months of my life and over £6,800. All I ask is you help me to help them.If you click on the Help for Heroes logo below, you can make a donation safely and securely.


try this CLICK ON LOGO
Till the next time. Will

Training on sand

Trying to do this blog on my new phone.  As when under way, this is the way I will be doing it. Hopefully !

Well,  we have had a set back with one of the sponsors. Which has left a gap in the budget. I am putting in £5, 300 but now need to find an additional £1, 800. No mean feet. So far I have begged and borrowed a further £1040. And an army mate has sorted £500. So we are on a tight, tight budget.  Back on track.

( I haven't accounted for gettting back though. )

Been on tour with The Extreme Stunt Show this past two weeks.  And found myself near a beach. So thought I'd start to learn ridding on sand.

I gave it a few steady runs on the wet sand. And into some seaweed covered rocks. And was just getting into it. When the Police arrived. !!!! So not wanting to interupt their duties.  I pretended not to see them. And went like the desert wind.:)

The Biker Store called last week.  One of their customers is a TV Producer. He has kindly offered to do an interview to promote An Idiot Got Bored.  The Slow Way Down. ..( The Angrier Pants are on. ) !!!!

This will go on YouTube and also on this blog.

Hopefully the donations will increase and maybe a Camping and Sat Nav sponsor may want to get involved.  Hint hint. ...

Ok. I'm going to see what this looks like. Share this page and please make a donation.  Every penny is going straight to help wounded servicemen.  Most of whom have loat arms and legs.Click here to donate to Help for Heroes. London to Johannesburg on a 125 .

Will

Clock is ticking..12 weeks and counting.

So much to do and yet so little time.

Well The Extreme Stunt show has been off the road for over a week now. This was my only opportunity to get everything in place for September 14 th. As often is the case, not everything moves at the pace you would like it to.

I do have a list of kit that the bike needs for Africa. But unfortunately Suzuki can not provide, as they don't make any accessories for the Van Van. And despite Technicians trying at Suzuki HQ in Milton Keynes. Retro fitting the bits I need for the Challenge, just didn't fit.So it's very disappointing, but now I am going to use the magical power of the internet and this blog. And see what we can come up with.

Ok. Begging time.The mighty Suzuki Van Van is in dire need of the following. ( Don't dose off.....I will be asking questions at the end .)

1).Front Fork Gaiters. 2.) Front Disk Guard. 3.) Head Lamp Guard. 4) Hand Guard. 5) Universal Slam Plate.
6) Fabric Side Panniers.600 Denier. 7) Sat Nav holder.8) 12 v sockets 9) 12 v tyre pump.10) A million pounds £££

1 to 9...if anyone or company can help me, please contact me on willmoore368@hotmail.co.uk  The bike needs this kit to go through the off road parts of Africa. Of which there are loads. Not to mention the Sahara desert, both Eastern and Western !!! Can anyone help me with sponsorship ?

The admin on a challenge like this is absolutely massive. I know most folk are going to think it all starts on September 14 th at Blindly Heath. Surrey.Outside The Biker Store. But I assure you, it's took hundreds of hours of admin to get to this point.

Injections !!

Great day out at the local surgery. Lost count of all the jabs I had. So much for " free state medicine ". ( Don't do it USA.) I lived in NJ for 2 years. Your system is light years ahead of what we have in the UK.
So despite " free social medicine " in the UK. I just paid for Hepatitis B & A. Diphtheria. Tetanus.Polio. Typhoid .Yellow Fever and Cholera at a cost of £130.

All painless enough though.Did make me think of all the diseases I am going to come across. Normally we have these injections and think nothing of it. But when I get to the likes of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. It will all become very, very real !

Right, I am off to the library and download my Carnet de Passage documents from the RAC. This is similar to a persons Passport. It's a right of passage for the bike, from one economic global zone to another. It's costing just shy of £800 of the Queens Pounds. If you are American.......that's $1200 bucks. And for the  4 people I keep seeing in Japan reading this blog.( behind the scenes Statistics button )........loads and loads of Yen .( But not shed loads ! )
Back on tour with .....Just Click Logo

Where we are off to the Nissan plant in Washington. North East England.To do the Extreme Nissan Torque Show...so why not come along. There will be around 12,000 people there.Bikes, quads, drift cars and Monster Trucks. Should be great. Then we make our way up the coast and into sunny Scotland for 6 weeks. Really looking forward to practicing off road up there.

Remember i am giving up 15 months of my life and doing this 25,000 km challenge, all for wounded servicemen. These men and women are sent by politicians to war.But when they come back without any arms and legs, there isn't any money for them !!! Yet, there is £12 Billion available in " aid " for those who are not British and have never done anything for this country.!!!!!!!!!!! I think that's wrong, beyond belief. I am doing something about it.But my efforts are wasted without YOUR support . Click the Help for Heroes logo below and make a donations. How ever small, they all add up. Many thanks. try this CLICK ON LOGO

Will Moore

The Positives and the negatives.

Let's get the negatives out the way first. Firstly, the bike is in need of a number of accessories. Such as fork gators, F/ Disk cover, Headlamp cover, Hand Guards, Rear rack and water container holders....the list goes on. And unfortunately,  Suzuki can only support me with genuine Suzuki accessories.  Which there aren't any for the Van Van. Gutted.

So if there is anyone out there, that can help, please e mail me.

Sponsorship. Not an exciting subject.  But without it, I couldn't do this 25, 000 km African challenge. This week's knock backs inude. GoPro helmet cams, Virgin and British Airways. And BCM

If I can't get back, there maybe a " An Idiot Got Bored. The Slow Way Up ".!!!!

I'm just going to keep chipping away at all the administration.  It's a monster.!

Doom n gloom over. The Nottingham Evening Post are featuring the story on Monday.  So keep your eyes peeled for that. Fingers crossed it generates some good donations. :))

Last night this blog site started getting loads of visits. After a little investigation.  I found out a Dutch author, living in France had written a piece on this challenge. So " cheers " mystery man. Google " news.motorbiker.org." Writing this on my phone.  If I can put the link in, I will.Try ...and read about the Challenge.

Lastly, I wanted to thank The Biker Store, who sponsored me a great AGV helmet. And Suzuki,  who sent me up some clothing and top bag.

That's all for now.

Will

Exact departure date, time and location

Depart Saturday .September 14 th. 1400 hrs. From The Biker Store. Blindley Heath. Surrey. RH76JP. England.

Wow, two blogs in two days !! I am trying to cram all admin. for the challenge in the next ten days. So, here we go. Sponsoring company TaskForce Distribution are sending me a pair of Lowa Zepher GTX Gortex Desert boots. They will be at my mates house in Nottingham today. They are the same boot used by the British Army. As I have to travel very light, I shall be taking one pair boots for ridding, walking and the odd tribal dance. This is the boot I really wanted and TaskForce Distribution have been kind enough to get behind the challenge and sponsor me. So it's a big, big " thank you " from me. Here is there site. Just click the boot below..



Johanthan at The Biker Store,they have a massive store, has really helped me out too. He is sponsoring me a AGV AX 8 DS helmet. ( I just had to go for Titanium.Proper boys colour. )Some goggles, gloves and " technical underwear ". I am at a loss as to what that is. But they sound good !! Click their logo to check out the store. All these goodies are on their way to my mates house. His neighbors are going to busy with couriers leaving boxes. :) I have just got an e mail from Suzuki GB. There has been some Red tape about ordering accessories for the challenge. That being that Suzuki Japan can only sponsor me Suzuki Van Van genuine accessories. Which creates a problem. As they don't make any !!!! So the solution is a loop hole within their ordering process. I will update you all as soon as I know more. But it looks like Hand Guards, F/ Gaiters,F/ Disk Cover and high grade Denier panniers can be sourced. All my bits are crossed.:) On the media coverage front. The Nottingham Evening Post have said they will cover the story.The editor is calling me on Monday. Gaining coverage is an area I am concentrating on over the next few days off.The more coverage, hopefully, the more donations. I am ridding over 20,000 kms. Solo and unsupported, cross UK, France, Spain, Morroco, Mauritania, Mali, Gambia, Nigeria, Angola..the list goes on.Some of these countries are in bloody civil wars and not to mention I have to cross the Western Sahara Desert and Eastern Sahara Desert. Help me to help wounded servicemen who have lost arms and legs. Click the Help for Heroes below and make a donation. Here try this CLICK ON LOGO

Stunt Show stops and An Idiot Got Bored. The Slow Way Down begins again.

Hi all That's ten weeks, seven days a week finished on the The Extreme Stunt Show. We have been touring all over the UK, and have done some sixty odd cities already. The show now has two weeks off, to fix bits that have been damaged. Here try this CLICK ON LOGO
I have now given up my flat, as I was giving it up anyway in September. And am writing this sat in McDonald's Stratford Upon Avon. Using their free wi fi.( I'm such a class act. )And staying in a caravan for the next 3 months. We go back on tour in two weeks, starting with The Extreme Nissan Torque Show. Which should have about a 10,000 crowd. Then it's off to sunny Scotland for 6 weeks. Really looking forward to it, but I must get everything done for the challenge in September in these two weeks. I cant begin to tell you how long my " To Do " list is. HQ. An Idiot Got Bored. The Slow Way Down. ( McDonald's )Help me out by donating to my charity. I have just spoke with The BikerStore in Surrey. And Johnathan has helped the challenge out, big time. He had offered to sponsor me a enduro suit worth over £500. But Suzuki have asked that I wear their suit, as part of their sponsorship. So Johnathan is sending me a AGV AX 8 DS helmet, gloves, goggles and " technical underwear " to me instead. I have no idea what " technical underwear " is. But might have a special edition, after 9pm, late night blog with the results !! Suzuki GB have sent a " box of goodies " to my mates house. So I should have lots of Suzuki T shirts, jackets and base ball caps waiting for me. If only Suzuki did beer !!! View from my bike.The stunt show performed at The Royal Welsh Showground. I took the mighty Suzuki Van Van off road into the hills behind the venue. This blog was running at up to 400 visits a day. And I feel a bit disappointed in myself that I've not been able to update it regular enough.So I will try put some time to one side every week and share the news. Me pretending I don't know there is a camera there. :) I like doing the blog and sharing the news. It does let me know how far the challenge has come. And all from my thoughts way back last Novemeber. So " thank you " to those who have e mailed me and made donations to my charity. I am doing this all for wounded servicemen. Can you help me ? My Help for Heroes webpage is here. If you had lost your legs serving your country, wouldnt you want to walk again ? That's what this all about.... Here try this CLICK ON LOGO
If you have any ideas, comments or want to get involved, just e mail me. willmoore368@hotmail.co.uk The Comments facility on this blog is turned off. As some urchin was spamming me with links for" Manhood extension pills "!!! ( I just wondered how he knew !! ) Speak soon,will update in a few days with the news. AND PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO MAKE IT ALL WORTH WHILE. Will :)

Suzuki Great Britain sponsor the challenge.

What a few weeks I have had. I am working seven days a week for a touring Stunt Show. 150 odd dates across all of the UK. So time is of a premium.

When I set off on my journey in September, I had planned to give up my rented flat. It costs me over £1000 per month. But, doing this stunt show, has enabled me to give it up early. So whilst I am officially homeless, I will be saving over £6,000 in rent and bills for the period. Not to be sniffed at !!

The mighty Suzuki Van Van is with me on tour now as well. So I am busy practicing, put myself and the bike through the paces. In the process of taking the bike on and off the truck twice a day. It has acquired a few minor battle scars. But nothing a can of white spray can't sort out.

Mods. to the Van Van so far include. A full re spray in white. raising of the front fender by 40 mm. Three cap fulls of thicker oil in each front fork and a enduro rear brake light.The new non slip, Help for Heroes blue seat cover has turned out to be brilliant. The bike is really comfortable to ride. Which was one of the reasons I chose the Suzuki Van Van.

BIG NEWS TIME!!!

Suzuki Great Britain  have signed up to sponsor me!! James and the crew invited me to Suzuki Towers in Milton Keynes last week. I only had 60 minutes to meet them all. I had one person checking out my sizes for an Adventurists Suit, whilst James did an interview. Then I shot off on the 70 mile trek back to the Extreme Stunt Show.

I can't tell you how pleased I am to have the backing of Suzuki GB. They are covering my Carnet de Passage. ( At a cost of £757 ). Have supplied me with a top Adventurists Suit and had my pick of the Suzuki clothes wear at the Head Office. A quality top bag / luggage. I've not seen it yet, but Emma says it's the business. One of those rubber ones that you can roll up. Just need to fabricate a suitable rack and source some decent denier side Panniers. Anyone out there want to help me on that ? Please e mail me. My address is on the right hand side of this blog. :)

Suzuki GB are also providing me with free labour , parts and accessories.They are also willing to ship any bits to Africa or reimburse me via my Suzuki Traders account we have set up.

Me outside Suzuki Towers on the mighty Suzuki Van Van last Friday. ( I think !! No idea what day it is or where I am doing this job ).

The other great news about teaming up with Suzuki is their Public relations Dept. James has been busy writing a feature on the challenge in the Suzuki Magazine. Hopefully more people will read about what I am doing and who it's for. And make a donations.

Read the Suzuki feature on the 20,000 km solo and unsupported challenge. From London to Johannesburg on a Suzuki Van Van .CLICK TO READ STORY

Other news include. Suzuki World Super Bike team are promoting the challenge !! How cool is that ? The Suzuki WSB rider Leon Camier is being asked to hold either a banner or have something put on his fuel tank. That something being our Text to Donate number. He will have it on the Donnington race in England, later this year. If you like what I am doing and the fact every penny is going to wounded servicemen. Most of whom have lost arms and legs. Please, please pick up your mobile phone now. And text WALK to 70900 and make a £5 donation today.

Here try this CLICK ON LOGO

You can also visit my charity donations page by clicking the Help for Heroes logo below.

Sorry for the delay. Between not having any internet connection, due to being some field. And working from 7 am to 10 pm 7 days a week. It's been hard to put pen to paper as it were. But things are coming together.

If anyone has any ideas on how to promote the challenge, please e mail me. And if anyone would like to get involved  again, please email me.

That's all for now. Please share this blog on your Twiter and Facebook pages and lets raise the £15,000 I'm aiming for.

Will

The Good and The Bad news.

Well it's been four weeks since the last blog. Mainly down to my Summer job, working as on a touring Stunt Show. We are doing 140 odd, back to back dates, across all of the UK. It is long, long hours, seven days a week. So sorry for the delay, but work must come first to pay for the challenge in September. So what's been happening ? Well, I do have some magazines that want to feature the challenge. But have been waiting for the sponsoring graphics company to send the " London 2 Johannesburg " tank graphics. And the " Text WALK to 70900, to donate £5 today " banners. Short of it is,they messed it up. A sub contractor to the graphics company has all the information. And has had a big fall out. So that's the bad news. The knock effect has been, that there has been a delay in taking the challenge to a national level. And a subsequent loss of donations to my charity. Help for Heroes. Who assist in the recovery of wounded servicemen, who have predominantly lost arms and legs. The next 22 weeks, working 7 days a week is to pay for the 20,000 km solo, unsupported challenge. From London to Johannesburg on a Suzuki 125 Van Van!! So please do your bit and sponsor me. By clicking the Help for Heroes logo below. It's a UK registered charity. And a donation can be made quickly, safely and securely. Here try this CLICK ON LOGO
Although the situation with the graphics company has been frustrating, to say the very least. I do have some good news. Help for Heroes are now featuring this challenge on their main website. As an inspiration to others. So I feel pretty honoured about that. But slightly embarrassed. The big news is that I have been in contact with Suzuki GB for several weeks now. Their Public Relations Department have e mailed me twice, to say they are 99% sure of a full sponsorship agreement. Which is music to my ears. But I will leave it at that. As there are a few ifs and buts. But it's looking very good. I thought I'd try and post a quick video of some of the stunt stuff we do too. So check it out below.

Click to see our Stunt Show FMX riders..Free Style Motor Cross flying through the air.


  Some more good news. despite the graphics hick up. I did ask Adventure Rider Magazine to go ahead with their feature. They gave a nice write up about the challenge. And put the donations page link at the bottom. Take a look at the article.Click Adventure Rider Magazine to read  Before I leave you for a few days. I just had to show you our two Monster Trucks. If you are a parent of a child about 3 ft tall ( Im not a dad, no idea of ages). take them to a show. They love them. And finally....a touring Stunt Show glamorous? What do you think to where we live ? It's a converted truck trailer. Very roomy !! One last comment. Please, please help me to raise donations. Re post this blog and tell your friends. But most importantly, link the Help for Heroes logo above yourself. Your £20 or whatever you choose all adds up. We have £1300 so far. My aim is £15,000. Will